Thomasville Fire Rescue Fire Marshal Tim Connell and Georgia-certified fire inspectors from both Thomasville Fire Rescue and Gold Star have begun to inspect all commercial properties within Thomasville’s city limits.

Fire Marshal Connell said that goal is to educate and empower business owners in order to help them understand how to maintain a safe environment and to also understand how applicable safety mandates apply to their property and/or business.

“Most inspections will take between a half hour and an hour to complete. We spend the majority of that time talking with and educating the property owners,” Connell said.

The primary purpose of the inspections will be to identify and eliminate life safety hazards within businesses, such as the use of extension cords, properly installed and inspected fire extinguishers, and properly maintained exits that are not blocked and/or locked.

“Most infractions are unintentional,” Connell said. “You’ve got a community of business owners who are truly trying to do the right thing, but it’s hard for them to know all of the ins and outs of the law. That’s why we’re trying to build relationships and become a great resource for them in that regard.”

In most cases, business owners will be given 30 days to fix minor violations that are identified; however, imminent threats to safety will need to be addressed on a more immediate timeframe. After the 30-day period, the property will be re-inspected.

“Our goal is to work with business owners to make sure we keep safety first,” Connell said. “We want to present an educational experience to our business owners and help them maintain compliance with life safety laws and mandates.”

Inspections are expected to be completed by the end of 2015. In total, approximately 1,300 buildings will be inspected.